INFLUENCE -- The Psychology of Persuasion 

Why We Do What We Do and How To Not Be a Victim Because of It

The first time I picked up Dr. Robert Cialdini's "Influence", I thought it was a real snoozer.

The Second time, well, I saw just how wrong I was.

The problem wasn't the book, but the problem was I or rather, my impatience in reading it. Initially I wanted to rush in and learn how to influence people, but "INFLUENCE" is not a Dale Carnegie styled book. "INFLUENCE" is more like a human behavorial case study.

"There's gold in them there hills"

With attention to detail and touches of humor, Dr. Cialdini lays out everyday concepts, scenarios and findings based on actual RESULTS from actual TESTS and STUDIES.

Pick up this book if you'd like to THINK instead of blindly act.

Pick up this book if you'd rather BE IN ON THE JOKE than BE THE JOKE.

This book isn't a quick fix. It's a partial downpayment on wisdom.

Bone up.

Highly Recommended.
4.3 out of 5!

Jeffery Gitomer: Little Black Book of Connections 

Are you networking like a pro or a rookie? Jeffrey Gitomer's book promises to give networking secrets that build rich relationships. Read on to see if Mr. Gitomer delivers.

At first glance this small book seems a little, well - puny. Don't let the smooth taste fool you. What Gitomer's book lacks in size it more than makes up for in quick useful information.

Each chapter is divided into "Assets". There are 6.5 assets in this book, if used correctly, this book can aid you in getting more sales and a wider more relevant network of customers, partners and mentors.

My favorite Asset is Asset 5, Who Knows You? I've kept this chapter bookmarked for quick reference a' la the handy built in bookmarker thingy.

The verdict:

Nothing earth-shattering here, but Jeffrey delivers useful information and the fact I keep The Little Black Book of Connections on my desk rather than on my bookshelf says it all.

I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 and a knod to the salesman of salemen.

Jeffrey Gitomer: Single Biggest Rule in Sales 

Donald Trump: Think Big and Kick Ass 

A funny read that can get your motor running - a detailed instruction book it is not. Read on for the scoop on the Donald

Trump has a way with words. In your face. Blunt. It's signature Trump. At times he can be offensive, just look at the title of the book.

Put the children to bed we've got some learning to do!

This book will appeal to readers who seek motivation, a new attitude about business and a few laughs along the way. A structured playbook of succeeding this is not.

Sure, the nuggets of advice are there. The anecdotes. The inside scoops. The dirt. The Trump, but for a hungry businessperson or entrepreneur looking for a roadmap, this isn't it. "Think Big..." falls down with too much entertainment and too little substance

I like the overall, take no prisoners attitude. Here's a quote:

"Think big is the leverage you need to get paid what you are worth. In the real world people are not goiing to just hand you money. In the make believe world you will automatically get paid what you are worth. The real world doesn't work that way. You get paid what you are worth only when the person you are dealing with has no other choice....Doctors get paid alot because you pay or you die."

This a hard one to rate. I gotta admit, the Donald is worth a look - but he's not for everyone.

Rating: 3.75.

That's my vote and I'm sticking to it.

Donald Trump: Think Big and Kick Ass 

Pick up a copy if you could use an attitude adjustment

Think BIG and Kick Ass in Business and Life

by Donald J. Trump, Bill Zanker

Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/26/2008)

Guy Kawasaki's The Art of the Start 

Art of the Start is a hailed as one of the most concrete books on start ups. I'll give my gist and back it up with a quote from the text.

In "The Art", Mr. Kawasaki touches on various topics, from bootstrapping to recruiting to branding to rainmaking, but probably the most inspiring, most liberating points he makes requires no help from me.

Chapter One - The Art of Starting: Page 10, Sub-title: Get Going.

"....You should always be selling - not strategizing about selling. Dont test, test, test - that's a game for big companies. Don't worry about being embarrassed. Don't wait to develop the perfect product or service. Good enough is good enough. There will be plenty of time for refinement later. It's not how great you start - it's how great you end up."

Guy Kawasaki had me at hello. He should have you too unless you'd rather crash and burn instead of make your startup successful.

I would give this book a 6. Yes, It's that good.

Rating: 5

Highest Rating

Guy Kawasaki "The Art of the Start" 

The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything

by Guy Kawasaki

Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/26/2008)

Buzzmarketing: Word of Mouth on Steroids 

Talking begets talking begets more and more talking. Mr. Hughes uses spot on media examples to lay down the case for Buzz

Buzz Marketing - Word of mouth on steroids!

Mr. Hughes BuzzMarketing book packs a powerful punch. The theory Buzz Marketing is to get your market talking.

Talking begets talking begets talking. Mr. Hughes uses spot on media examples to lay down the case for Buzz meanwhile reassuring the startup, the small-business owner, the little guy or even the solo operator that we too can not only compete in any market, but with the right amount of Buzz we might even kick a little rump.

Buzz isn't about budgets. It's about creativity and the courage to use unconventional means to get the world talking. After reading this book I'm ready to take on the competition
Use them before the other guy does

I give Buzzmarketing by Mr. Hughes a 4.5

Highly Recommended

Mark Hughes - BUZZMARKETING 

Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff

by Mark Hughes

Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 07/26/2008)

Donny Deutschs' Often Wrong Never In Doubt 

Not exactly The BIG idea, but worth a read. Want the skinny? Read on...

Donny Deutsch - Often Wrong, Never In Doubt

Mr. Deutsch's book was a decent read. Did I learn anything? Not anything definitive, but I did find it inspiring.

You'll find some nice bits of controversy about the ethics of advertising, the Ethos and the power of branding. Some good insights on a few key issues push this book into the win column.

All in all, I enjoyed the read. I'll pick it back up whenever I need a little inspiration

I won't be dog earing it as a reference tool, but the unabashed concepts might recharge my engines when I'm feeling frustrated.

A decent read for folks breaking into the advertising world.

I give this book a: 3.5 out of 5.

Donny Deutsch's Cereality Feature on The Big Idea 

This aint your grandmothers cereal. Cereality: A new twist on an old favorite.

Donny Deutsch's Often Wrong, Never In Doubt at Amazon 

It's on sale if you're interested

Donny Deutsch's Book

Often Wrong, Never in Doubt : Unleash the Business Rebel Within

by Donny Deutsch, Peter Knobler

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/26/2008)

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